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Student Opportunities

Elementary & Middle School

Even our youngest community members can make an impact! Elementary and middle school students can get involved by making door decorations for family rooms, collecting wish list items, or hosting pop tab drives. Every project helps spread kindness and support to families staying close to their children.

The pop tabs by themselves do not mean much; however, when collected, they add up to become a valuable donation to the Ronald McDonald House Eastern North Carolina. You can help us “pull together” by collecting the tabs you pull to open soda, soup, and other cans.

  • Donate by bringing in the pop tabs or recycling them and donating the proceeds!
  • We accept pop tab donations 7 days a week from 8 am – 8 pm!
  • Collect equal to or more than a quart-sized bag for 2 volunteer hours!
Pop Tab Information
  • Provide 10 Goody Bags (3-5 items). Goody bags are a great way to support families as they spend long days in the hospital with their children.
  • Collect baby items (socks, pacifiers, onesies), puzzle books, toiletries, small toys, etc., and put them in a gift bag, box, or goody bag that we can distribute to families. Please do not include any food or candy in the bags.
  • Decorate the bag with artwork and/or inspirational words of encouragement (please no religious messages or “get well”)
  • Create 25 cheerful door decorations for our family rooms!
  • Please avoid including any religious messages or “get well” phrases.
  • Feel free to design them around upcoming holidays, seasons, or other fun themes.
  • Create 25 for 4 volunteer hours

Invite your neighborhood, friends, and family to provide goods for a donation drive!

20 Items = 4 hours

For every 10 additional items is 1 hour

Host a Wish List Drive

Many of the families we serve are here with newborns. Share some love and creativity by decorating onesies in sizes preemie to 12 Months for our smallest guests!

  • Please ensure that you use fabric paint or other non-toxic materials.
  • Must provide 10 onesies to receive 2 volunteer hours.

Toiletry Kits help ensure we have everything families may need while staying with us.

Kits should include at least one of the following travel-size products:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Soap bar or liquid
  • Deodorant

Assemble the kits together in a Ziplock bag and decorate them for an extra special touch!

10 bags with 3-5 items = 4 volunteer hours

We accept toiletry kit donations 7 days a week from 8am – 8pm!

High School

High school students can make a lasting impact at Ronald McDonald House Eastern North Carolina! Whether it’s becoming a Teen Ambassador or hosting a wish list drive, there are plenty of ways to get involved. These opportunities help students develop leadership skills, complete service hours, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of families staying close to their children.

The Teen Ambassador Program is a unique opportunity for high school students who are passionate about giving back and eager to learn more about nonprofit work. Ambassadors commit to a service year from September to May, meeting twice a month at Ronald McDonald House Eastern North Carolina. 

Through hands-on experience, seminars, and volunteer opportunities, Teen Ambassadors develop skills in Leadership, Advocacy, Fundraising, and Community Awareness while supporting our mission. 

What to Expect: 

  • Bi-Monthly meetings focused on nonprofit management, leadership, fundraising, and event planning. Note that these mandatory meetings occur on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6:00 pm – 7:00 PM. It is important for each student to examine their schedule and determine if they are able to honor this time commitment.  
  • Hands-on involvement in Ronald McDonald House fundraisers and planning Teen Ambassador-led events throughout the year. 
  • Volunteer opportunities to earn service hours and make a meaningful impact. 
  • Networking & collaboration with like-minded peers. 

 

Applications for the 2026 – 2027 are now closed. Application for the 2027-2028 Ambassador will open in March.

Eligibility 

Teen Ambassadors must be rising juniors or seniors in high school. It is not required that the student be located in Pitt County. 

Application Process 

To apply, students must complete the online application form, which includes a space to upload: Signed Parent Consent Form (Required) and an optional resume and letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor.  
After the deadline, all applicants will be invited for speed interviews before final selections are made. Due to limited spots, not all applicants will be accepted, but we encourage everyone to stay involved with Ronald McDonald House! 

Apply Now!

You must be 16 (sixteen) years or older to volunteer inside our Maynard Children’s Hospital Family Room and 18 (eighteen) years or older to volunteer at our House on Moye Blvd. To become an individual volunteer, you must commit to at least 2 (two) shifts a month for 6 (six) months.

Click the link below to learn more!

Volunteer Information!

The pop tabs by themselves do not mean much; however, when collected, they add up to become a valuable donation to the Ronald McDonald House Eastern North Carolina. You can help us “pull together” by collecting the tabs you pull to open soda, soup, and other cans.

  • Donate by bringing in the pop tabs or recycling them and donating the proceeds!
  • We accept pop tab donations 7 days a week from 8 am – 8 pm!
  • Collect equal to or more than a quart-sized bag for 2 volunteer hours!
Pop Tab Information
  • Up to 6 (six) volunteers can sign up to prepare a meal at the Ronald McDonald House Sunday – Saturday. 
  • The minimum age to volunteer is 12 years old. Children must be supervised by an adult. We can only accommodate up to 3 children in a meal group. 
  • You must watch the Meal Orientation video and fill out the brief survey at least 3 days before the meal date. The link will be automatically sent to you after you sign up for a date. Only one person per group has to fill it out, but we suggest sharing the video with everyone who is coming to cook. 
  • Don’t want to cook? You can still choose a date to have dinner delivered from a commercial kitchen! 
PROVIDE BREAKFAST
PROVIDE LUNCH
PROVIDE DINNER

Invite your neighborhood, friends, and family to provide goods for a donation drive!

20 Items = 4 hours

For every 10 additional items is 1 hour

Host a Wish List Drive

Assemble grab and go snack bags for families on the way to the hospital! All bags must include at least 3-4 snacks. Snack bags cannot include anything with nuts. Options for bags can include:

  • Bag of chips or equivalent
  • Dessert – pudding cup, Oreos, moon pie, etc.
  • Fruit cup
  • Utensils necessary
10 bags with 3-5 items = 4 volunteer hours
  • All activities start at 6:00 pm. Activities can include craft nights, spa nights, Bingo, movies, video games, etc.
  • We are currently only allowing a maximum of six (6) activity volunteers per group.
  • Some nights are quieter than others. Feel free to walk around to announce your activity and encourage guests throughout the House to join you for some fun! Even small audiences are appreciative of your time.
  • As a courtesy to our families, if you are unable to make your scheduled activity date, please call us at (252) 847-5435 and let us know.
ACTIVITY SIGNUP

College

College students play an important role in supporting our mission! From coordinating campus fundraisers and hosting wish list drives, student groups and individuals can get involved in meaningful, hands-on ways. This helps foster community engagement and strengthen the connection between local students and the families we serve.

You must be 16 (sixteen) years or older to volunteer inside our Maynard Children’s Hospital Family Room and 18 (eighteen) years or older to volunteer at our House on Moye Blvd. To become an individual volunteer, you must commit to at least 2 (two) shifts a month for 6 (six) months.

Click the link below to learn more!

Volunteer Information!
  • Up to 6 (six) volunteers can sign up to prepare a meal at the Ronald McDonald House Sunday – Saturday. 
  • The minimum age to volunteer is 12 years old. Children must be supervised by an adult. We can only accommodate up to 3 children in a meal group. 
  • You must watch the Meal Orientation video and fill out the brief survey at least 3 days before the meal date. The link will be automatically sent to you after you sign up for a date. Only one person per group has to fill it out, but we suggest sharing the video with everyone who is coming to cook. 
  • Don’t want to cook? You can still choose a date to have dinner delivered from a commercial kitchen! 
PROVIDE BREAKFAST
PROVIDE LUNCH
PROVIDE DINNER

Invite your neighborhood, friends, and family to provide goods for a donation drive!

20 Items = 4 hours

For every 10 additional items is 1 hour

Host a Wish List Drive
  • All activities start at 6:00 pm. Activities can include craft nights, spa nights, Bingo, movies, video games, etc.
  • We are currently only allowing a maximum of six (6) activity volunteers per group.
  • Some nights are quieter than others. Feel free to walk around to announce your activity and encourage guests throughout the House to join you for some fun! Even small audiences are appreciative of your time.
  • As a courtesy to our families, if you are unable to make your scheduled activity date, please call us at (252) 847-5435 and let us know.
ACTIVITY SIGNUP

Semester Projects (Fall)

The holidays at RMHC ENC are full of joy, light, and tradition—even when families can’t celebrate at home. To make the season magical, your group will “adopt” a room in our House to decorate with an over-the-top holiday theme. Here’s what that looks like:
  • Choose your theme (classic Christmas, winter wonderland, candy land, gingerbread, etc.) and gather decorations to match.
  • Collect supplies throughout the semester—decorations can be new donations or gently used items from friends, family, and local supporters. (We can store items at the House until decorating day!)
  • Set a decorating day to bring your vision to life. Each room must include:
    • At least one Christmas tree (any size)
    • A unified theme that ties everything together
    • An extra special touch such as a wreath, garland, lights, or a handmade element that makes the space shine
  • Keep the spirit alive by checking in once during the holiday season to tidy or refresh your decorations.
This project gives families a warm, festive atmosphere that feels like home—and brings joy to children and parents during a season that can otherwise be stressful.
The holidays should be a time of joy, but many of our families spend them focused on their child’s health instead of gift-giving. Each year, RMHC ENC creates a “Santa Room” filled with toys and holiday cheer so parents can still surprise their children. Your group will help make this possible by:
  • Hosting a drive using our Wishlist flyer to collect new toys, games, and age-appropriate gifts throughout the semester.
  • Adding holiday cheer by collecting festive decorations to brighten the House during December and January.
  • Engaging your campus community by setting up drop-off locations, spreading the word, and encouraging classmates to contribute.
  • Wrapping up the project with a final drop-off of collected toys and decorations at RMHC ENC.
This project spreads joy and helps relieve the stress families face during the holiday season, making their stay a little brighter and more memorable.

Our annual Luminaries light up the community in support of RMHC ENC families. Each kit includes 10 paper bags, 10 candles, and a bag of sand—all packed into a small box and sold for $15. Your group will help bring this fundraiser to life by:

  • Assembling luminary kits at the House using the supplies we provide.
  • Becoming Team Captains by leading the charge to sell kits within your campus and community.
  • Sharing the mission by encouraging friends, family, and classmates to purchase kits or donate directly through our website.
  • Coordinating distribution—buyers can pick up their kits during designated weeks at the House, or your team can choose to deliver them personally and turn in collected funds.

This project gives your group the chance to raise awareness, fundraise directly for families, and see the impact of your efforts shine bright in our community.

REQUEST FOR PROJECTS

Have a question? Contact Erin Thomas at erin@rmhcenc.org